# Chris Dreja: Yardbirds Founder

> Chris Dreja, born November 11, 1946, co-founded the Yardbirds with Top Topham and later became a photographer.
- Title: Chris Dreja: Yardbirds Founder · American Songwriter
- Summary: Chris Dreja, born November 11, 1946, co-founded the Yardbirds with Top Topham and later became a photographer.
- Keywords: chris dreja, yardbirds, eric clapton, jimmy page, jeff beck, rock & roll hall of fame, music, American Songwriter
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/born-80-years-ago-today-in-england-a-founding-member-of-the-classic-rock-band-that-introduced-three-of-historys-most-influential-guitarists
- Author: Clayton Edwards
- Published: 2026-11-12T01:45:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chris dreja, yardbirds, eric clapton, jimmy page, jeff beck, rock & roll hall of fame, music, culture
## Birth and Early Life
Chris Dreja was born on November 11, 1946, in Surbiton, Surrey, England.
## Forming the Yardbirds
Dreja formed the Yardbirds with Top Topham in his teens, later adding Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page.
## Early Success
The Yardbirds scored their first top 10 hit in the UK and US in 1965 with 'For Your Love.'
## Band Lineup Changes
Eric Clapton left in 1965, Jeff Beck joined, and Jimmy Page took over bass in 1966.
## Final Album and Split
The Yardbirds released their final album, Little Games, in 1967 before splitting in July 1968.
## Later Life
Dreja retired in 2011 after strokes and died in September 2025 at age 78.
## Key takeaway

Chris Dreja, born November 11, 1946, co-founded the Yardbirds with Top Topham and later became a photographer.